1968 Triumph TR5                                         Re...

Estimate

£30,000 - £40,000

1968 Triumph TR5                                        

Registration Number: JTK 799G
Chassis Number: CP2076
Recorded Mileage: c.78,650 miles

- Matching numbers, UK delivered from new, with Heritage certificate.
- Upgraded to fast-road specification (Webcon Alpha EFI demonstrator)

Triumph's TR Series began with the unveiling of a prototype (the TR1) at the 1952 London Motorshow. The TR2 was launched the following year, and so began an uninterrupted run of two-seater Sports Cars that ended in 1981 with the last of the TR8s. Codenamed `Zest', the TR4 was introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the TR3A. Though based on the chassis and drivetrain of its much-loved predecessor, it cut a far more modern dash, thanks to an all new Michelotti-styled body. Power was provided by Triumph's proven OHV four-cylinder engine with capacity increased to 2138cc. All it cried out for, to compete with the new wave of saloon GTs was more power.

The stock 2-litre GT6 engine was tried and, although smooth, was actually no quicker than the old tractor-derived four-pot. The answer was simple though, enlarge the straight-six by a massive 500cc to give a lusty 2.5-litre and help it breathe a little easier. With a better cylinder head and wilder camshaft, the engine worked well, although it was a bit lumpy at low revs until fuel injection was fitted to better monitor fuel delivery. All this led, in October 1967, to the launch of the TR5. Outwardly the car was barely discernible from the TR4A, but the new engine, complete with Lucas fuel injection, turned the TR into a genuine performance car, with a handy 150bhp on tap. The TR5 is arguably the best of the lot, enjoying the clean unsullied looks of the TR4 with the raunchiness of the TR6. A total of just 2,947 TR5s left the factory between October 1967 and November 1968.

This super later UK matching numbers example, first registered in late August of 1968, was subject of a professional restoration in previous ownership, using as a basis a new replacement chassis. In 2016 the TR5 was converted by Webcon to their ‘Alpha Pro5’ digital fuel injection standard, including full ignition mapping (with no distributor). We understand the car was rolling road tested after the conversion was made, indicating a healthy c.170bhp (vs. 140bhp in standard road trim), with c.180lb/ft of torque. The TR5 was later pressed into service by Webcon as its development and show car.

Acquired by the current owner in Oct 2020, the Triumph has been used sparingly whilst otherwise being stored in a dehumidified garage. The TR5 has had a replacement overdrive gearbox and differential fitted, also new front and rear bumpers.

Finished in Royal Blue (56) with Shadow Blue trim (27), an original light-alloy hard top and Minilite wheels, this is a very nice example of one of Triumph’s best efforts of the 60s.